Gravensteen, or the Castle of the Counts, is a medieval fortress situated in the heart of Ghent, Belgium. The current structure was constructed in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace on the site of earlier fortifications dating back to the 9th century. Serving as the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353, the castle later functioned as a court, prison, mint, and cotton factory. By the late 19th century, the building had fallen into disrepair and faced potential demolition. Between 1893 and 1907, architect Joseph De Waele led a restoration project, aiming to return the castle to its 12th-century appearance, though some additions were not historically accurate. Since 1907, Gravensteen has been open to the public and remains a significant historical and architectural landmark in Ghent.
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